Fields of Omagh goes out in style

Old-timer Fields of Omagh retired from racing in the best possible way with a record-breaking victory in the Group 1, $2.25 million W.S. Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in Melbourne on Saturday.

Ridden by Craig Williams, the 9-year-old gelding became the oldest horse ever to win Australia's biggest 1 1/4-mile race when holding off the late thrust of El Segundo to score by a nose at 18-1. Pompeii Ruler was just a head back in third. The race was Fields of Omagh's fifth consecutive Cox Plate run, and his record now stands at two wins, a second, a third and a fifth.

IHis trainer, David Hayes, said: "It's just fantastic for the old horse - it's a very emotional win."

The disappointment of the race was Grey Swallow, who trailed home in last place. Another intended runner with North American form, Honor In War, was a late scratch.